Geographic Network Function Allocation in Mobile Communication Subnetworks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 5G communication networks face challenges in providing flexible and efficient resource allocation to meet diverse application requirements across heterogeneous environments, including high data throughput, low latency, and reliable connectivity while optimizing resource use.
Innovation Solution
A communication network architecture with subnetworks managed by a subnetwork manager that allocates network functions based on the geographical positions of mobile communication terminals, enabling dynamic and geographically dependent resource allocation and migration to ensure optimal resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network resources are statically allocated in traditional 5G networks, then network infrastructure is simplified, but resource allocation flexibility and adaptability to diverse application requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network into multiple virtual network slices, each tailored to specific application requirements (e.g., enhanced mobile broadband, ultra-reliable low-latency communication, massive machine type communication). This allows differentiated resource allocation across slices while sharing physical infrastructure, thus improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation through network slice management functions that can dynamically provision, configure, and adjust resources based on real-time application requirements and network conditions. This enables the network to adapt flexibly to diverse services while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If network functions are centralized, then network control is simplified, but latency for location-specific applications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling network slice functions to be deployed at specific geographical locations or network edges based on application requirements. This allows location-critical applications (e.g., autonomous driving, industrial automation) to access nearby network functions with low latency, while other functions remain centralized, thus improving latency performance without requiring complete decentralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of network architecture by implementing multi-layered network slicing that operates across different spatial and functional dimensions. This allows simultaneous centralized control for management functions and distributed deployment for service-specific functions, resolving the contradiction between centralized simplicity and distributed latency performance.
3Productivity
If network resources are dynamically allocated based on geographical position, then resource utilization efficiency improves, but network complexity and monitoring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through network slice management functions that continuously monitor network conditions, application performance, and resource utilization. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts resource allocation across network slices to optimize efficiency while maintaining manageable complexity through closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling network slice management functions to autonomously provision and adjust resources based on predefined policies and real-time conditions. This automated self-management reduces the need for manual intervention and complex centralized control, thus improving resource utilization efficiency while keeping network management complexity at acceptable levels.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication network (300) having: a position monitor (340) that is configured to monitor a geographical position (341) of at least one mobile communication terminal (330); and a plurality of subnetworks (301, 302, 303), wherein at least one subnetwork (301) extends over a geographical area and comprises the following: a first communication entity (311) that is arranged at a first geographical position within the geographical area of the subnetwork (301) and is configured to perform a first network function of the subnetwork (301), wherein the first network function stipulates an association between communication resources (312, 313, 314) of the subnetwork (301) and the first communication entity (311); and a subnetwork manager (350) for controlling (351) the first communication entity (311), wherein the subnetwork manager (350) is configured to take the geographical position (341) of the at least one mobile communication terminal (330) and the first geographical position of the first communication entity (311) as a basis for setting the first network function of the first communication entity (311).